Variations on a Pentatonic Theme - Rob Goorhuis

Rob Goorhuis wrote his Variations on a Pentatonic Theme (1987) for the Royal Wind band of Thorn, conductor Jan Cober. The work consists of five character variations on a pentatonic (five-tone) theme. The basic elements of the theme are the descending minor third and the descending major second, which in the course of the composition build up to a broad melody, unfolding itself in the final variation. The first variation resembles minimal music in its repetitive rhythmic motives. The second variation is explosive in character: rapid broken chords provide a background for soft solo motifs. The third variation is a quiet intermezzo on a slow chorale theme, creatingtwo contrasting moods. The fourth variation is a light-hearted scherzo. The final variation is a brilliant finale with all the necessary ingredients, or, in the composer's words, "the works" Testpiece WMC 2005 Concert Division.

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